Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > Other Components > Need advice re-building low-mid end PC
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racsito39   08-16-2009 at 11:57:01 PM

The Story:
My dad's PC really sucks, it freezes constantly and in general it is very slow. I barely use it when I visit him, so yesterday he talked to me about it and wanted me to do a budget to rebuild it, he wants to keep what it is necessary to keep costs very low, I built it myself on December 2004, that is almost 5 years ago.

So I opened the case and checked what could stay and what should go.... well the only thing useful was the case, lol.

The budget:
So I checked the benchmarks and looked what is available on the market, I am interested on changing these 5 components: CPU, GPU, MB, RAM and HD.

1) CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @3 GHz; 1333 FSB $167.99
2) GPU: GeForce 9600 GT 512 mb pci-e $97.43
3) MB: Asus P5KPL-CM G31 Micro ATX $60.89
4) RAM: CT25664AA1067 DDR2-1066 1 piece of 2 GB $39.98
5) HD: Sata2 1TB Caviar Green WD $79.99

Total: $446.28

My concerns:
I think this budget is a bit high for him, he saw it and he was ok with it, but I think the CPU is way to fast for what they do (dad and sister), he barely uses it, my sister is the main user and she just do Facebook, Youtube, listen to music, messenger and surf in general. I couldn't see the low-end CPU bench on tomshardware or I think I missed them, so...

What do you think? How can I shrink more the budget?

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MRFS   08-17-2009 at 12:15:29 AM
- 0 +

I recommend this Corsair XMS2:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145247


For only $10 more after MIR, you'll get 4GB instead of 2GB
and that RAM will be running in dual-channel mode.


Then, after your OS is installed, add a ramdisk using
RamDisk Plus from www.superspeed.com , which can
now utilize unmanaged Windows memory.


The EVGA 9800 GT is only $12 more:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130380


Also, check the specs on your existing PSU:
you would be wise to upgrade with a modern PSU
and also a quality UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

The latter 2 components are easily THE best insurance
you can purchase for a new PC.


MRFS

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to MRFS
racsito39   08-17-2009 at 12:21:50 AM
- 0 +

MRFS wrote :

I recommend this Corsair XMS2:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145247


For only $10 more after MIR, you'll get 4GB instead of 2GB
and that RAM will be running in dual-channel mode.


Then, after your OS is installed, add a ramdisk using
RamDisk Plus from www.superspeed.com , which can
now utilize unmanaged Windows memory.


The EVGA 9800 GT is only $12 more:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130380


Also, check the specs on your existing PSU:
you would be wise to upgrade with a modern PSU
and also a quality UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

The latter 2 components are easily THE best insurance
you can purchase for a new PC.


MRFS



Thank you for your prompt reply, unfortunately I can't buy from newegg since I do not live in the US, so Amazon.com is the best choice I have and I always get better prices buying online rather than local stores.

Reply to racsito39
obsidian86   08-17-2009 at 12:27:55 AM
- 0 +

well amd are the budget king's at the moment

Message quoted 1 times
Reply to obsidian86
racsito39   08-17-2009 at 12:32:44 AM
- 0 +

obsidian86 wrote :

well amd are the budget king's at the moment



I know that, but I am more familiar with the chipset and fsb standards. So I must filter my search on Intel and Amazon.com.

Reply to racsito39
MRFS   08-17-2009 at 12:54:58 AM
- 0 +

Check the list of compatible CPUs for that motherboard:

http://www.asus.com/Product.aspx?P [...] ifications


The low-end Celerons are now a real bargain, especially
for the uses you plan to make of your upgraded machine:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819116092


The E1400 and E1500 are both supported.

You can always upgrade the CPU later, as needed.


MRFS

Reply to MRFS
prelude2250   08-17-2009 at 02:13:01 AM
- 0 +

I suggest getting the e5200 wolfdale pentium dual core. Its $65 with free shipping at newegg! Its a 2.5ghz Pentium dual core with a 2mb cache. I have one in my data server at work and its great for the price! I have it running @ 3.4ghz on a cheap $60 MSI mcp73 motherboard with some 800mhz ram stable as can be. These CPU's are great for overclocking and run really cool. and I don't think you need a 9600 to surf the web. I'd recommend an 8500 or 8600. Both of those will play new games at lower resolutions just fine. For budget builds i look at newegg's open box section for some cheap deals.

Reply to prelude2250
jhyukkang   08-17-2009 at 03:18:54 AM
- 0 +

you were saying that they are only doing internet, music, and watch videos?
if no games or video editings are gonna be done on that new pc,
i would get these
e1500 2.2 dual core (i have it for my brother's budget pc, just for internet use, and very little gaming) it is OCed to 3.2 with stock cooler about 1000 points increase in 3Dmark06 (on gigabyte P31 board) for him, this cpu is more than enough with OC maybe perfect without

3 or 4GB or ddr2 most likely 800mhz (dual channels) (1,512,1,512 or 1,1,1,1)

seems like the mobo u chose is fine(im gigabyte fan so just in case u should check them out)

i think gpu is overkill. you can save some money here also.
9500gt or 4650
even more cheaper - 9400gt or 4350

i suggest u getting a new psu also, u said its 5 years old, so it might not have same specs on the sticker anymore.
with parts i suggested u i think 350w is enough(considering no upgrades in future)
silver stone 350w st350 looks okay for this pc

total price of these items in newegg is about 250 - 300
its all about ur choice and this is just what i think haha


Message edited by jhyukkang on 08-17-2009 at 03:25:18 AM
Reply to jhyukkang
daship   08-17-2009 at 03:23:54 AM
- 0 +

For that prie on ram you can get 4G.

Green drives are slower, get a black drive.

You dont need a Graphic card the onboard is fine for non gaming.

Get the e1500 or e5200 for CPU.

Reply to daship
sanchz   08-17-2009 at 06:48:42 AM
- 0 +

The Athlon II X2 will be a very good budget CPU.
As to AMD and FSB, they simply don't have one, so all you've got to do is check that the motherboard is compatible with the CPU and off you go!
Seriously, consder either the Athlon II or the Phenom II X2. The Phenom II X2 can perform close to the E8400 and is almost $65 cheaper. You can't go wrong with it.
Otherwise, the E5200 is good too.

Reply to sanchz
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